School bus catches fire, teachers' quick response averts major tragedy
Chikamagalur: In a shocking incident a private school bus carrying students and teachers to the school caught fire in Muddinakoppa village of Mudigere Taluk here.
The incident took place when the school bus belonging to Sadguru Vidya Samithi School of Basarikatte village near Kalasa, plying students and teachers caught fire due to a technical snub. The school had sent the bus to pick the students and teachers of the school from Haluwalli, Thalagodu, Baalehole, Thotadhoor and other villages as the private bus was not accessible on Monday.
The fire initially broke out near the driver seat after which the driver jumped down the bus. The fire then moved towards the children and teachers seated on the bus, but the teachers managed to get the students and themselves out of the bus on right time and averted a major tragedy.
Books and school bags of the students were charred down in the fire. The locals added that a few students and teachers sustained minor injuries but no serious injuries or casualties were reported. They also added that the students were disturbed and shocked after the incident.
Soon after the incident was reported, police rushed to the spot. The driver escaped the scene after the incident.
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Pune schools, colleges to remain shut on Monday for cycling event
Pune (PTI): Schools, colleges and other educational institutions in several parts of Pune will remain closed on Monday in view of 'Pune Grand Tour 2026', an international cycling event, officials said on Sunday.
The decision has been taken as the prologue race of the event will be held in the city on Monday, for which major roads will remain closed to traffic from 9 am to 6 pm, they said.
The Pune traffic department has issued directives about road closures for the cycle race in key areas, including Ganesh Khind, Jangli Maharaj and Fergusson roads.
The five-day Continental Road Cycling Race for Men, from January 19 to 23, will wind through a 437 km route across the Deccan Plateau and Sahyadri Range, featuring sharp bends and challenging elevations.
The event has attracted 171 riders from 29 teams across 35 countries.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi issued orders declaring a one-day holiday for educational institutions located in the areas of Fergusson College, Ganeshkhind, Jangli Maharaj and adjoining internal roads to avoid inconvenience to students and parents.
The holiday will apply to all anganwadis, government and private schools, junior and senior colleges, and professional educational institutions in the limits of Shivajinagar-Ghole Road, Vishrambaugwada-Kasba, Dhole Patil Road, Bhawani Peth, Aundh-Baner, Kothrud-Bavdhan, Sinhagad Road and Warje-Karvenagar ward offices.
Police have appealed to the citizens to use the Metro and avoid commuting by road.
